Watford is entering the 2025-26 season under new head coach Paulo Pezzolano, who was appointed on May 13, 2025, following the departure of Tom Cleverley. Pezzolano marks the club’s 18th permanent manager since 2013. He will be looking to secure backing from the club’s ownership during the summer transfer window.
As the summer transfer window is now open, Watford has seen some early activity and a flurry of rumors. New head coach Paulo Pezzolano will be looking to shape his squad, and while the club has typically been frugal, there’s hope for some backing from the ownership.
Confirmed Transfers:
Watford has already secured two confirmed incoming transfers for the summer of 2025: Hector Kyprianou, a defensive midfielder, on a free transfer from Peterborough, and Nathan Baxter, a goalkeeper, also on a free transfer from Bolton Wanderers. On the outgoing side, Angelo Ogbonna has left on a free transfer.
Key Rumors and Speculation:
- Goalkeepers: With the arrival of Nathan Baxter on a free transfer, it’s widely speculated that current goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann is more likely to depart. This signing adds significant depth to the goalkeeping options. Other names still linked to the club include Jesse Joronen and Ricardo Velho.
- Defenders: Watford is reportedly in advanced talks to sign left centre-back Kayky Almeida from Fluminense. They are also keen to extend the loan of Caleb Ryan Wiley from Chelsea for another season, with deals for both Wiley and James Abankwah (another Udinese loanee) reportedly close to completion. There’s also speculation about Yasser Larouci moving to Watford on loan for the upcoming season. However, Francisco Sierralta is reportedly on the verge of a move to France for a seven-figure fee.
- Midfielders: Matt Targett is a name that has surfaced, with Watford reportedly interested in signing him alongside Southampton and Leicester City. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is also attracting interest from the Hornets. Meanwhile, there’s an expectation that Imran Louza and Giorgi Chakvetadze could depart, as player sales are often a significant revenue source for the club.
- Forwards: Kwadwo Baah is drawing significant attention, with Crystal Palace reportedly preparing an €8 million offer for the 22-year-old winger. Despite previous injury issues, his recent performances and contract running until 2029 mean Watford is under little pressure to sell. Watford is also interested in acquiring Neyser Villareal, who is attracting attention from multiple clubs. Additionally, there are reports linking Watford with an 8-goal Cameroonian striker.
Overall, the transfer window appears to be a mix of strategic free transfers and loans, with some potential sales of existing players to generate funds. The focus seems to be on bolstering the squad depth and bringing in talent that fits Pezzolano’s plans.
Financial Overview (Summer 2025):
- Watford total spend summer 2025: £0m
- Watford total income summer 2025: £0m
- Watford total net spend summer 2025: £0m
Further transfer rumors involving Watford are reportedly available.
Watford Current Squad Details:
- Manager: Paulo Pezzolano (Appointed: May 13, 2025 – 22 days ago)
- Age: 42
- Average squad height: 5’11.5″ (182cm)
- Average squad age: 25 years 58 days
Selected Senior Squad Players:
- Daniel Bachmann (Goalkeeper, Age: 30) – Captain
- Jeremy Ngakia (Attacker, Age: 24)
- Francisco Sierralta (Centre-back, Age: 28)
- Tom Ince (Winger, Age: 33)
- Imran Louza (Midfielder, Age: 26)
- Mattie Pollock (Defender, Age: 23)
- Giorgi Chakvetadze (Midfielder, Age: 25)
- Tom Dele-Bashiru (Midfielder, Age: 25)
- Samuel Kalu (Attacker, Age: 27)
- Kwadwo Baah (Attacker, Age: 22)
- Edo Kayembe (Midfielder, Age: 27)
- James Morris (Defender, Age: 23)
- Ryan Andrews (Defender, Age: 20)
- Rocco Vata (Midfielder, Age: 20)
- Moussa Sissoko (Midfielder, Age: 35)
- Mamadou Doumbia (Forward, Age: 19)
- Yasser Larouci (Left-back, Age: 24) – On loan from Troyes
- Pierre Dwomoh (Midfielder, Age: 20)
- Vakoun Issouf Bayo (Forward, Age: 28)
- Kevin Keben (Midfielder, Age: 21)
- James Abankwah (Midfielder, Age: 21) – On loan from Udinese
- Egil Selvik (Goalkeeper, Age: 27)
- Caleb Wiley (Defender, Age: 20) – On loan from Chelsea
- Hector Kyprianou (Midfielder, Age: 24)
Players Currently Out On Loan:
- Ryan Porteous (Defender, Age: 26) – On loan to Preston North End since February 3, 2025
- Mileta Rajovic (Attacker, Age: 25) – On loan to Brondby since September 3, 2024
- Joao Ferreira (Defender, Age: 24) – On loan to Braga since September 2, 2024
- Jorge Cabezas (Midfielder, Age: 21) – On loan to Gillingham since February 1, 2024
- Shaq Forde (Attacker, Age: 21) – On loan to Leyton Orient since August 14, 2023
- Antonio Tikvic (Centre-back, Age: 21) – On loan to Grazer AK since January 22, 2025
- Myles Roberts (Goalkeeper, Age: 23) – On loan to Bristol Rovers since February 3, 2025
In other news, Watford Exhibiting Early Ambition for 2025/26 Championship Play-Offs
